NRL: Skipper left bemused by Tigers crisis claims

Wests Tigers player Robbie Farah makes a tackle. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah has laughed off claims the NRL club are in crisis following last Saturday's golden point loss to South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Despite sitting in fifth spot on the ladder, and being one of four teams on 28 points, Tim Sheens' side were slammed for relinquishing a 16-point lead to slip to a 34-30 defeat to the injury-hit Rabbitohs.

And after narrow wins over struggling Cronulla and North Queensland, the knives have been out for the Tigers, who are looking to reach the finals for the first time in five years.

Farah admitted his side's performance against Souths was below par, but is bemused as to why they have been singled out for criticism.

"We are sitting equal second on the ladder and there are a lot of teams who would want to be where we are now," he said.

"We are excited by what's ahead over the next month, as in previous years we have been scrapping to get in the eight and the opportunity is there to do something this year."

The Tigers have been criticised for putting their razzle-dazzle style to one side in favour of grinding out results.

Farah conceded some of his side's victories have been too close for comfort this year, but said part of the Tigers' charm is that they do things the hard way.

"You can't please everyone - when we try to be too flashy everybody says we have to grind a bit more and the more we grind people say we should be flashy," he said.

"We would like to have had a few more comfortable wins, but that is part and parcel of being a Tigers fan, sitting there chewing on your fingernails or pulling your hair out ... that is what makes us exciting."

Tigers winger and Footy Show star Beau Ryan struggled against Souths but his skipper said it was unfair to blame it on his TV performances.

"It is ridiculous to suggest he should give up the TV," Farah said. "No one mentioned it early in the season when he was playing really well and nothing has changed.

"We all have had days like that, but he is fine. I expect him to bounce back against Penrith on Sunday."

The Tigers have also said that utility Liam Fulton had signed a two-year extension to his contract.

- AAP